Readers Respond: Best Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Experts recommend that you allocate approximately 12% of your take-home pay to food--including what you spend on groceries, restaurants, and convenience foods. But that's pretty hard to do, unless you learn to manage your grocery money extremely carefully. So how do you do it? How do you save money on groceries? Take a moment to share your best money-saving strategies with our readers.

LookBeforeSpendingDotCom

A great way to save money is to use coupons every time you are at the store. Stock up when items are cheap and never pay full price for ANYTHING! Check out my site, where you can learn how to use coupons in such a way that you will never pay for toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, some food, toothbrushes, body wash and more again! http://www.lookbeforespending.com/

—LookB4SpendingDotCom

Angel Food

I have recently discovered a great program in my area. Angel food ministries is the name of it. This is a great way to save money & it also saves time at the grocery store. You go online, see this month's menu, place an order for what you want then go to a local church to pick up the food. The church you use as a pickup point also gets $1 for every person that picks up there. I got about 3-4 weeks worth of food for $98. At least the meats I need; I will still have to go get basic stuff. Check them out at www.angelfoodministries.com to see if it is available in your area.

—Guest Renee

Grow Your Own Food

I save money on grocery shopping by growing my own veggies at home! I've got bushels of cucumbers right now. I also often buy store brands, and I usually avoid sugary snacks & organic foods (except for milk or when it's close the the same price as conventionally grown food).

—dgsiemer

Money-Saving Mom

I use online printable coupons from web sites like www.moneysavingmom.com.

—Guest Becky